ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at how the Solution Focused approach works in a London university counselling service setting;
It can be integrated into a problem focused assessment process (which most university counselling services operate) producing effective outcomes.
Solution Focused one-to-one counselling (face to face/telephone/Skype) works with any presentation from anyone (staff and students aged 18–85) from across the world (over 100 different nationalities), from every culture, religion, sexuality, class, indeed every walk of life.
The approach is also effective in training students to be peer supporters and mentors to help other students especially new and international ones, not by replacing counselling but through befriending and signposting.
The Solution Focused view of mental health is good at demystifying and making mental health awareness training more practical including work with suicide and self-harm, empowering staff and students to have more confidence in supporting and referring their colleagues.
